Recently, I’ve been reading some stories of couples that hired a professional to organise their wedding or a service and got scammed. Basically, people just run away with their money or make up the lamest excuses to justify why you don’t have drinks to serve your guests or why your family suddenly had to go into the kitchen to prep the food and why your bridesmaids are waiting on tables.
We cannot stress enough the importance of research before hiring a wedding planner as well as any other service:
-Get references – call people that were served by them. Testimonials on the website can be easily forged;
-The web is your biggest ally, google them for complaints and problems;
-If they’re registered companies, check for lawsuits against them;
Don’t rush through things, when possible make the contract yourself! If you can’t, read the one they provide you with very carefully. Essential items:
-A description of everything they are in charge of, specifying quantities, brand of the drinks and the quality of the products to be served during the party. Whatever they’re supposed to be responsible for HAS GOT to be there;
-Also, mention times for deliveries and for serving;
-If they’re also bringing staff such as waiters, bartenders and cleaners, mention how many people, the activity they’ll perform, how long they’ll stay and how they must present themselves, in terms of uniforms, etc
Don’t forget that also goes for performing artists you hire, such as a band or a DJ, decorations and flowers and whatever else.
Any of those can be easily overlooked when your head’s up in the air with your upcoming wedding, but the memories can be bittersweet afterwards, so keep in mind that this is a service you’re hiring and the contract is a very important part of it. Keep yourself on the safe side so that one of the most special days of your life can be exactly that.
Cheers!
